World AIDS Day 2020

December 1 is World AIDS Day. This year, we commemorate the AIDS epidemic as we are all surviving a worldwide pandemic. Sunshine House fits its roots in the AIDS epidemic; it originally began as the Kali-Shiva Society, a group of volunteers who gathered in 1983 to provide care for Brian Taylor. Sunshine House was so-named in the year 2000 after Dionne Sunshine, a community member who died of complications from AIDS at the St. Boniface Hospital.

Our beloved former executive director, Margaret Ormond, was there for the darkest days of the '80s and '90s when treatments were nonexistent and information was hard to come by. Current ED Levi Foy got online to talk with her about what it was like back then, how Sunshine House's unique ethos came to be, and what parallels we can draw between that chaotic time and the one we currently live in.

Winter Hours Update

We have expanded our hours of operation to support the community this winter:

Monday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm and 6:00pm - 9:00pm*

Tuesday: 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Wednesday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm and 6:00pm - 9:00pm*

Thursday: Closed

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am - 3:00pm

*Note: The Monday & Wednesday evening drop-in, Like That, is primarily for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities

Winter Gear Needed!

Got gently-used or new winter gear? We can take it off your hands! Here’s the list of things our participants say work best for them!

COATS: Parkas or two-layer jackets, sizes Large, XL and 2XL since loose-fitting coats are warmer!

LONG UNDERWEAR: Two-piece separates, sizes small-2XL. Unworn bottoms are preferred!

WINTER BOOTS: Ankle-height boots are best for walking around in (tall snowmobile boots are heavy). Hiking boots are good, too, especially if they are lined.

HOODIES & SWEATPANTS: All sizes needed

MITTS, GLOVES and TOQUES

And last but not least… SOCKS!

HOW TO GIVE: Items can be dropped off at Sunshine House (646 Logan Ave. at Sherbrook St.). Book a drop-off time at calendly.com/sunshinehouse. You are also welcome to donate money and we’ll do the shopping!